Eliot Ness has achieved near-mythical status in Chicago, where his “Untouchables” brought down Al Capone, and in Cleveland, where his position as security director brought him fame and infamy. He has been portrayed in film and literature, and now by Cleveland author Deanna R. Adams in “A Place We Belong.”
It begins in 1940 and is narrated by Lydia Swanson, who performs as the Blue Satin Doll in a Cleveland burlesque theater. One evening, Ness comes by and Lydia sits next to him, partly because she is infatuated with him and partly because she has something to talk about with him. She explains that she and her younger sister Tess had been placed in an orphanage after their mother died unexpectedly. A week later, she was told that Tess was being sent to a foster home. She never saw Tess again.
Eliot agrees to investigate. They meet several times and each time Lydia’s heart beats faster. Eliot is aware of her attraction to him and reminds her that he is married, but he doesn’t do much to dissuade her. Lydia’s boyfriend Bill is a policeman and she has heard some unpleasant rumors about him. Eliot flatters Lydia, travels for her and even takes her to New York. Eliot’s wife becomes increasingly suspicious.
Although the relationship between Lydia and Ness is fictitious, there is truth in “A Place We Belong.” In 1940, Cleveland was the sixth largest city in the United States, full of industry and crime. Adams works at the Theatrical Grille and the Roxy Theater and is involved in the fledgling career of Dean Martin of Steubenville. The investigation into Tess’s disappearance leads to a nasty real-life scandal.
The Cleveland Torso Murderer lurks in the background. Although Ness reformed the city’s police force and improved traffic safety, his failure to apprehend the killer is often cited as the reason for the decline of his career.
“A Place We Belong” (376 pages, softcover) is available from Lake Home Productions for $18.99.
Adams is the author of nonfiction books such as “Rock ‘N’ Roll and the Cleveland Connection” and novels such as “Peggy Sue Got Pregnant.” She will speak about “A Place Where We Belong” from 7 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at the South Euclid-Lyndhurst branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, 1876 S. Green Road, South Euclid. To register, visit cuyahogalibrary.org.
“The Storyteller”
Storytellers may not live forever, but stories do. In The Storyteller, a magical storybook by North Canton author Lindsay Bonilla, a boy named Griffin grows up listening to his loving grandmother’s stories.
She tells him classic folk tales and family stories. “Puss in Boots,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” and “Rapunzel” are brought to life by the storyteller’s voice.
As time passes, the storyteller’s voice grows fainter, and Griffin helps her die by telling him to “keep the stories alive.” Griffin carries on the tradition.
The warm-hearted illustrations are by Israeli-born artist Noar Lee Naggan. The images of Little Red Riding Hood chasing the wolf through the forest and Hansel and Gretel come to life, and when Griffin needs some magic beans, they are there for him. And so is Grandma.
“The Storyteller” (32 pages, hardcover) costs $18.99 from Nancy Paulsen Books, a division of Penguin Random House, and is recommended for children ages 3 to 7. Bonilla’s other books include the delightful “Polar Bear Island.”
Events
Fireside Bookstore (29 N. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls): Youngstown novelist Nancy Christie signs “Finding Fran,” the second installment in her Midlife Moxie series, Sundays from 1 to 3 p.m.
Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library: The online author talk series continues with novelist Shelby Van Pelt, author of “Remarkably Bright Creatures,” on Wednesday at 7 p.m. Register at smfpl.org.
Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Ave.): John Vacha speaks about “Playhouse Square and the Cleveland Renaissance,” Wednesday, 7 p.m.
Akron-Summit County Public Library (Tallmadge branch, 90 Community Road): Tallmadge author Amanda Flower will speak about “To Slip the Bonds of Earth,” her historical mystery about the Wright brothers’ sister, Katharine, from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday.
Holmes County Public Library (3102 Glen Drive, Millersburg): Brandon Weis speaks on “This Is Going to Hurt: Hiking the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Arizona Trail in One Calendar Year” on Thursday at 6 p.m. Register at holmeslibrary.org.
Cuyahoga County Public Library (South Euclid-Lyndhurst branch, 1876 S. Green Road, South Euclid): Deanna R. Adams signs “A Place We Belong,” Wednesday, 7 to 9 p.m.; Carlo Wolff signs “Invisible Soul: Uncovering Cleveland’s Underground Scene,” Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Register at cuyahogalibrary.org.
Learned Owl Bookstore (204 N. Main St., Hudson): Chera Thompson signs “A Time to Wander” and “Dawned on the Danube,” Saturday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Cuyahoga County Public Library (Maple Heights branch, 5225 Library Lane): David Lee Morgan will sign “Black Trailblazers in Sports,” part of his young adult biography series, Saturday from 2 to 3 p.m. Register at cuyahogalibrary.org.
Barnes & Noble (28801 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere): Garfield Heights resident Carey Hardisky signs her dream, “Welcome to Coolersville,” Saturday, 2:30 p.m.
Email information about books of local interest and event announcements to [email protected] at least two weeks in advance. Barbara McIntyre tweets at @BarbaraMcI.
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